Multi-ply composite container with regions of weakened strength and method for manufacturing same

ABSTRACT

A multi-ply composite container for consumer products with at least one region of weakened strength and method for manufacturing same is provided. The composite container includes a multi-ply composite tube having a tubular body ply, a liner ply adhered to the inner surface of the tubular body ply and a label ply adhered to the outer surface of the body ply. The composite container also includes at least one circumferential score line in the multi-ply composite tube through the label ply and the body ply. The container and method overcome limitations imposed by conventional composite containers by providing a composite container which provides for easy opening, better consumer access, resealability, storage for left over food product, and easier consumer recycling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to composite containers for foodproducts, and more particularly, to multi-ply containers constructed ofa paperboard body ply, an inner liner ply and a label ply.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Multi-ply composite containers are used for packaging a widevariety of food and drink products as well as other perishable items.These multi-ply containers are constructed to be opened at either one oftwo spaced ends that are sealed, either permanently or with a removableseal. Some of these containers can also be opened along a sidewall seamin order to gain product access. To package such perishable foodproducts, a container is required that is rigid enough to retain itsshape during shipping and when subjected to internal pressure that issometimes produced in the container, while tightly sealing the foodproduct to protect against deterioration, leakage and contamination.Thus, these composite containers conventionally include three separateplies or sets of plies and two end closures.

[0003] First, at least one structural body ply made of paperboardmaterial is included, which is formed into a tubular structure bywrapping a continuous strip of body ply paperboard material around ashaping mandrel. The body ply is spirally wound around the mandrel orpassed through a series of forming elements so as to be wrapped in aconvolute shape around the mandrel. These containers also typicallyinclude a liquid impermeable liner ply adhered to the inner surface ofthe paperboard body ply. The liner ply seals the food product within thecontainer, and also prevents liquids, which may possibly contaminate thefood product, from entering the container. Some liner plies are also gasimpermeable, so as to not only prevent food product odors from escapingthe can, but also prevent atmospheric air from entering the containerand spoiling the food product. Thus, while the purpose of the body plyis to provide necessary structural properties to the container, theliner ply provides various properties necessary to contain and maintainthe perishable food product.

[0004] A label ply is also included, and is adhered to the outer surfaceof the paperboard body ply. The label ply serves two primary functions.First, a composite can label is a source of information. The labelcarries graphical matter that conveys product information, instructions,and regulatory compliance information. The label is also aestheticallypleasing to the consumer, which enhances shelf appeal and increasesconsumer interest in the food product.

[0005] In addition to the three separate plies which make-up themulti-ply composite container, these composite containers typically alsoinclude metallic or plastic end closures configured to engage the endportions of the paperboard body ply. The metal or plastic ends serve toprovide rigidity to the composite containers while retaining the foodproduct.

[0006] A critical factor in composite container design is the ease withwhich such containers may be opened, and composite containers are oftendesigned to incorporate different opening features. For example,composite containers for leavened dough products are normally opened byremoving completely the label ply from the paperboard body ply,whereupon the container is forcibly struck against a sharp surface, suchas the edge of a kitchen counter. The force of striking the containeragainst the sharp surface, in conjunction with internal can pressureproduced by the leavened dough, causes the helical butt joint of thebody ply and the inner liner ply to rupture, exposing the food productand allowing it to be removed from the container. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 2,949,369 to Zoeller discloses a compartmented dough package forstoring leavened dough wherein when the container is to be opened so asto prepare the food product stored in the can for use, the can sidewallis circumferentially split and the product can readily be removed fromthe container.

[0007] Where the food product is potato crisps, on the other hand, thecomposite container is typically designed with a metal closure at one ofits ends, and a removable foil seal with a plastic end cap at the other.In this way, the container is easily reclosed after the foil seal isbroken. Thus, left over food product can be easily stored in thereclosable container.

[0008] One common problem with composite container designs is that oneor more of the metal or plastic ends of these containers remain attachedin whole or in part to the can body after the can is opened. Thus, theend closures are difficult to remove from the can body to permitrecycling of the can body and the ends. This often results in expensiveand complicated opening features, and composite containers which aredifficult to recycle because the ends and the body ply are made ofdifferent materials.

[0009] Another problem commonly associated with composite containerproduct packaging is that the volume of the composite container isfixed, while the volume of the food product within the containerdiminishes as the food is consumed. Thus, when a tall, narrow tubularfood product container is used to package snacks or other consumableproducts such as potato crisps, the consumer is often unable to reachthe food near the bottom of the container. The container is too small indiameter to allow an adult hand to reach into the container, and tootall to allow the fingers alone to reach the food near the containerbottom.

[0010] Some container designs have attempted to overcome this problemusing a sectionable container. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,969,902discloses a container having a plurality of sections which areseparately removable with different portions of the body. The design ofthe '902 patent is limited, however, in that it is constructed using acomplicated series of premanufactured rings and sections that areassembled and then secured together by a sheet of material adhesivelysecured around the rings. Furthermore, the label on the outside of thecontainer must be cut so that the container may be sectioned making thecontainer difficult to break apart.

[0011] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a low costmulti-ply composite container and a method for manufacturing such acontainer which provides for easy opening, better consumer access, andencourages consumer recycling. Such a container would not only result indecreased production costs and reduce inefficiencies in the manufactureof composite containers, but would also result in an “environmentallyfriendly” composite container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] These and other objects and advantages are provided, according tothe present invention, by a multi-ply composite container for consumerproducts with at least one region of weakened strength. The multi-plycomposite container comprises a multi-ply composite tube that includes abody ply formed of paperboard material, a liner ply adhered to the innersurface of the tubular body ply and a label ply adhered to the outersurface of the body ply. The multi-ply composite tube also comprises atleast one circumferential score line in the multi-ply composite tubethrough the label ply and the body ply that creates a region of weakenedstrength. The circumferential score line may extend partially around thecircumference of the multi-ply composite tube or around the entirecircumference of the multi-ply composite tube. This at least onecircumferential score line advantageously allows the volume of themulti-ply composite container of the present invention to be reduced asthe volume of food product in the container is reduced. The multi-plycomposite container may also advantageously include at least one angularscore line in the multi-ply ply composite tube through the film labelply and the body ply intersecting the circumferential score line.

[0013] In one embodiment, the composite container also includes at leastone composite end closure having a liner ply and a body ply that issecured to one of the two opposed ends of the multi-ply composite tube.In this embodiment, at least one arcuate score line through the body plyof the end closure may be included to advantageously create a region ofweakened strength in the composite end closure. In another embodiment,at least one angular score line may also be included through the bodyply of the composite end closure intersecting the arcuate score line.Such an arrangement makes the multi-ply composite container of thepresent invention more environmentally friendly because it provides forcomposite end closures as opposed to metallic or plastic end closures.

[0014] The advantageous method of forming a multi-ply compositecontainer for consumer products with at least one region of weakenedstrength includes the steps of advancing a continuous body ply formed ofpaperboard material towards a shaping mandrel and advancing a continuousliner ply having a moisture barrier layer towards the shaping mandrel.The body ply and the liner ply are then wrapped around the shapingmandrel to adhere the liner ply to the body ply. Next, a continuouslabel ply is advanced towards the shaping mandrel downstream of theadhered liner ply and body ply. Then, the label ply is wrapped aroundthe body ply and the liner ply to adhere the label ply to the body plyand the liner ply to create a multi-ply composite tube. The multi-plycomposite tube is then scored through the label ply and the body ply tocreate a region of weakened strength in the composite tube.

[0015] The step of scoring the label ply and the body ply may compriseperforating the multi-ply composite tube or grooving the multi-plycomposite tube. In one embodiment, the scoring step includes scoring thelabel ply and the body ply with a laser. In another embodiment, thescoring step includes scoring the label ply and the body ply with aknife.

[0016] Consequently, the container and method of the present inventionovercome limitations imposed by conventional composite containers andmethods of manufacturing such containers. In particular, the multi-plycomposite container and method for manufacturing same of the presentinvention provide a composite container which provides for easy opening,better consumer access, resealability, storage for left over foodproduct and encourages consumer recycling. The container and method ofthe present invention will therefore not only result in decreasedproduction costs and reduce inefficiencies in the manufacture ofcomposite containers, but also will produce a more useful,“environmentally friendly” composite container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Some of the objects and advantages of the invention have been setforth, and other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention to follow, especially when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,wherein:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-ply composite containeraccording to the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is section view of the wall of the multi-ply compositecontainer of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the multi-ply compositecontainer of FIG. 1 specifically demonstrating a circumferential scoreline of perforations in the label ply and the body ply of the container;

[0021]FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the multi-ply compositecontainer of FIG. 1 specifically demonstrating a circumferential scoreline of discontinuous grooves in the label ply and the body ply of thecontainer;

[0022]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-ply compositecontainer of FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an end of the multi-ply compositecontainer of FIG. 1 specifically illustrating a score line intersectinga circumferential score line;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a multi-ply composite container according to the presentinvention with a composite end closure;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a section view of the multi-ply composite container ofFIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a side view of the multi-ply composite container of FIG.7;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a section view of the multi-ply composite container ofFIG. 7 illustrating a score line in one of the composite end closures ofthe container;

[0028]FIG. 11 is an end view of the composite end closure of themulti-ply composite container of FIG. 10; and

[0029]FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the method for making amulti-ply composite container according to the present invention using alaser for scoring the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichpreferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0031]FIG. 1 illustrates a tubular multi-ply composite container 10 forconsumer products with at least one region of weakened strengthaccording to the present invention. Although illustrated as having acircular cross section, the tube may have any cross sectional shapewhich can be formed by wrapping the tube around an appropriately shapedmandrel. One example is a generally rectangular shape having roundedcomers.

[0032] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 is particularlyadvantageous for packaging potato crisps and, as shown in FIG. 1,includes a tubular body ply 12 formed of paperboard material, a linerply 14 adhered the inner surface of the tubular body ply 12, and a labelply 16 adhered to the outer surface of the tubular body ply 12. Thecomposite container 10 also includes an overcap 18, a flexible seal 19or membrane and a plastic or metal end closure 20. Various other endclosures may be used, depending upon the type of food product which isto be packaged such as, for example, frozen concentrated juice.

[0033] The composite container 10 also includes a number of score lines22 extending circumferentially about the composite container 10. Thescore lines 22 may extend only partially about the circumference of thecomposite container 10 or may extend completely about the circumferenceof the composite container 10. As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2,the score lines 22 are cut into the label ply 16 and through the bodyply 12, but not into the liner ply 14 of the composite container 10. Thescore lines 22 may either be perforated score lines or a series ofdiscontinuous grooves as demonstrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.The score lines 22 are formed such that the container 10 can be reduced,or broken, into discrete sections by overcoming a tear or opening forceat the score lines 22.

[0034] The liner ply 14 can include one or more layers as shown in FIG.2. In particular, conventional liner plies often comprise several layersincluding a barrier layer to prevent the passage of moisture and gassesinto and out of the container. One type of liner ply includes a foilbarrier layer 14 a and an overlying polymer layer 14 b. Another typecomprises layers which are made of polymeric materials. In oneembodiment, the score lines 22 extend to the foil barrier layer 14 aalthough in some instances the score lines may not extend entirelythrough the thickness of the body ply 12.

[0035] As demonstrated in FIG. 5, the score lines 22 create regions ofweakened strength in the composite container 10 and thereby permit thecomposite container 10 to be reduced, or broken, into discrete sections.As the volume of the food product within the composite container 10 isreduced through consumption, therefore, the size of the compositecontainer 10 can advantageously be reduced or broken apart by hand,section by section, to conform to the volume reduction of the foodproduct. Further, as more fully described in co-pending U.S. applicationSer. No. _______, filed concurrently herewith and fully incorporatedherein by reference, the overcap 18 is reversible so that one side ofthe overcap 18 is designed to engage the top of the composite container10 after the flexible seal 19 is removed, and a second side of theovercap 18 is designed to engage the periphery of the remaining sectionsof the composite container 10. Therefore, the remaining sections of thecomposite container 10, with the reversible overcap 18, combine to formdiscrete containers for left over food product.

[0036] Advantageously, therefore, although the composite container 10may begin as a tall, narrow tubular container to accommodate the volumeof food product, the size of the container in accordance with thepresent invention reduces with the volume of food product. Thus, thecomposite container 10 solves the problem of the consumer being unableto reach the food near the bottom of the container as the food isconsumed. The container is no longer too small in diameter to allow anadult hand to reach into the container or too tall to allow the fingersalone to reach the food near the container bottom. The compositecontainer 10 is reducible, section by section, so that its size willcontinuously compliment and accommodate the volume of food product inthe container.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in one embodiment, at least one scoreline is located near the plastic or metal end closure 20 of thecomposite container 10. This embodiment advantageously permits theplastic or metal end closure 20 to be snapped off or removed from thecomposite container 10, thereby facilitating recycling of the compositebody portion of the composite container 10 and the metal or plastic endclosure 20. As shown in FIG. 6, in another embodiment, an angular scoreline 24 may be included in the composite container 10 intersecting thescore line 22. The angular score line 24 further weakens the compositecontainer 10 at the intersection of the angular score line 24 and thecircumferential score line 22, thereby enhancing the ease with which theend closure 20 of the composite container 10 may be removed.

[0038] The embodiment of the composite container 10 illustrated in FIGS.7 through 11 is particularly advantageous for packaging frozen juices,such as concentrated orange juice. In addition to including the tubularbody ply 12, the liner ply 14 and the label ply 16, the embodiment shownin FIGS. 7 through 11 includes a pair of composite end closures 26. Thecomposite end closures 26 are constructed of a body ply and a liner ply(not shown) and are secured to the composite container 10 by a retainingrim 28 located at the ends of the container 10, as shown in FIGS. 8 and9.

[0039] The composite container 10 of this embodiment also includescircumferentially extending score lines 22 located in the area of thecomposite end closures 26 to facilitate opening of the compositecontainer 10 and removal of the food product. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9,the composite container 10 may additionally include angular score lines24 intersecting the circumferential score lines 22 to further weaken theintersection point of the angular score lines 24 with the score lines 22to further facilitate removal of the composite end closures 26.

[0040] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a score line 30,and an angular score line 32, which intersects score line 30, may beincluded in the composite end closures 26 of the composite container 10.This embodiment of the composite container 10 facilitates removal of thefood product from the container by puncturing the end closures 26 andremoving the food product therethrough.

[0041]FIG. 12 illustrates a method for making a multi-ply compositecontainer with a region of weakened strength according to the presentinvention. A continuous strip of paperboard body ply material 12 isfirst advanced toward a shaping mandrel 40. As the paperboard body plymaterial 12 is advanced toward the shaping mandrel 40, the body ply 12is advanced through an adhesive applicator 42 which applies an adhesive44 to the inner surface of the body ply 12.

[0042] The body ply 12 and the adhesive 44 applied thereto are thenpassed underneath a heater 46 to render the adhesive 44 substantiallytacky. A preferred type of heat source is an infrared heater althoughvarious other heat sources, e.g., forced air heating or the like canalso be used.

[0043] After passing underneath the heater 46, the body ply 12 is thenadvanced into a pair of opposed nip rollers 48. A continuous strip ofliner ply material 14 is fed from a reel 50 and is also advanced intothe nip 48 adjacent the adhesived inner surface of the body ply 12. Theadhesive 44 is substantially tacky and thus instantaneously bonds to theliner ply 14 without slippage as they are nipped together. It will beunderstood to those skilled in the art that various liner constructionswith various barrier materials or properties could be employed dependingupon the item being packing in the composite container 10. In addition,the body ply 12 and liner ply 14 could be brought together from oppositesides of the mandrel 40 and adhered together while on the mandrel. Theliner ply 14 may be wider or narrower than the body ply 12 depending onthe amount of liner overlap that is desired.

[0044] After advancing the body ply 12 and the liner ply 14 through thepair of nip rollers 48, the liner ply 14 may then be coated withlubricant from a roller 52, which allows the liner ply 14 to slidesmoothly during the winding operation.

[0045] The body ply 12/liner ply 14 laminate is next wrapped around theshaping mandrel 40. The laminate is first wrapped under the mandrel 40and then back over the top in a helical fashion with the liner ply 14wound against the surface of the mandrel 40. As the body ply 12/linerply 14 laminate advances back under the mandrel 40 after one completerevolution, its trailing edge is brought into contact with the leadingedge of the ensuing portion of the body ply 12/liner ply 14 laminate,which is first coming into contact with the mandrel 40. The edges becomeabutted together to form a spirally wound tube that advances along themandrel 40.

[0046] The tube is then advanced down the mandrel 40 by a conventionalwinding belt 54 that extends around a pair of opposed pulleys 56. Thewinding belt 54 not only rotates and advances the tube, but appliespressure to the overlapping edges of the body ply 12 and liner ply 14 toensure a secure bond between the respective ply edges.

[0047] Downstream of the winding belt 54, a continuous label ply 16 isadvanced toward the shaping mandrel 40 through an adhesive applicator 58which applies an adhesive 60 to the inner surface of the label ply 16.The label ply 16 and the adhesive 60 applied thereto are then passedunderneath a heater 62 to render the adhesive substantially tacky.

[0048] After passing underneath the heater 46, the label ply 16 is thenwrapped around the shaping mandrel 40 onto the advancing body ply12/liner ply 14 laminate. The wrapped plies are then advanced down themandrel 40 by a winding belt 64. The winding belt 64 rotates andadvances the wrapped plies and applies pressure to the overlapping edgesof the plies to ensure a secure bond between the respective ply edges.

[0049] After the label ply 16 is adhered to the advancing body ply12/liner ply 14 laminate on the mandrel 40 to create a continuousmulti-ply composite tube 10, the continuous tube 10 is scored throughthe label ply 16 and the body ply 12 to create a region of weakenedstrength in the composite tube 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12,the scoring is performed using a laser 66. A laser 66 is particularlyuseful with a foil liner 14 because the metal foil component of theliner helps prevent the laser from cutting entirely through thecontainer wall. The scoring step may, however, also be achieved using aknife or cutting station. After the continuous multi-ply composite tube10 is scored, the composite tube is cut into discrete lengths at acutting station 68, and then removed from the mandrel 40.

[0050] Accordingly, the container and method of the present inventionovercome limitations imposed by conventional composite containers andmethods of manufacturing such containers. In particular, the multi-plycomposite container and method for manufacturing same of the presentinvention provide a composite container which provides for easy opening,better consumer access, resealability, storage for left over foodproduct and easier consumer recycling. The container and method of thepresent invention will therefore not only result in decreased productioncosts and reduce inefficiencies in the manufacture of compositecontainers, but also will produce a more useful, “environmentallyfriendly” composite container.

[0051] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention willcome to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertainshaving the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. For example, the tubular containers according to the presentinvention are not necessarily helically wound but may instead belongitudinally wrapped to create a “convolute” tube having an axiallyextending seam. In addition, although the tubular containers accordingto the present invention have been described primarily in connectionwith food products, it is to be understood that the containers could beused in connection with other products. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A multi-ply composite container for consumerproducts with at least one region of weakened strength, comprising: amulti-ply composite tube comprising, a tubular body ply formed ofpaperboard material having inner and outer surfaces and opposed ends, aliner ply adhered to said inner surface of said tubular body ply, and alabel ply adhered to said outer surface of said body ply; and at leastone circumferential score line in said multi-ply composite tube throughsaid label ply and into said body ply but not through said liner ply forallowing the volume of the multi-ply composite container to be reducedas the volume of consumer product in the container is reduced.
 2. Amulti-ply composite container with at least one region of weakenedstrength as defined in claim 1, further comprising at least one angularscore line in said multi-ply composite tube through said label ply andsaid body ply intersecting said circumferential score line.
 3. Amulti-ply composite container with at least one region of weakenedstrength as defined in claim 1 wherein said circumferential score lineextends around the entire circumference of said multi-ply compositetube.
 4. A multi-ply composite container with at least one region ofweakened strength as defined in claim 1 wherein said circumferentialscore line extends partially around the circumference of said multi-plycomposite tube.
 5. A multi-ply composite container for consumer productswith at least one region of weakened strength, comprising: a multi-plycomposite tube comprising, a tubular body ply formed of paperboardmaterial having inner and outer surfaces and opposed ends, a liner plyadhered to said inner surface of said tubular body ply, and a label plyadhered to said outer surface of said body ply; at least one compositeend closure having a liner ply and a body ply secured to one of saidopposed ends of said multi-ply composite tube; and at least one scoreline in the body ply of said at least one composite end closure tocreate a region of weakened strength in said composite end closure forallowing removal of said at least one composite end closure.
 6. Amulti-ply composite container with at least one region of weakenedstrength as defined in claim 5, further comprising at least one angularscore line through the body ply of said composite end closureintersecting said score line.
 7. A method of forming a multi-plycomposite container for consumer products with at least one region ofweakened strength, comprising the steps of: advancing a continuous bodyply formed of paperboard material towards a shaping mandrel; advancing acontinuous liner ply having a moisture barrier layer towards the shapingmandrel; wrapping the body ply and the liner ply around the shapingmandrel and adhering the liner ply to the body ply; advancing acontinuous label ply towards the shaping mandrel downstream of theadhered liner ply and body ply; wrapping the label ply around the bodyply and the liner ply and adhering the label ply to the body ply and theliner ply to create a multi-ply composite tube; and scoring themulti-ply composite tube through the label ply and into the body ply butnot through the liner ply to create a region of weakened strength in thecomposite tube for allowing the volume of the multi-ply container to bereduced as the volume of consumer product in the container is reduced.8. A method of forming a multi-ply composite container with at least oneweakened region as defined in claim 7 wherein said scoring stepcomprises perforating the multi-ply composite tube through the label plyand the body ply.
 9. A method of forming a multi-ply composite containerwith at least one weakened region as defined in claim 7 wherein saidscoring step comprises grooving the multi-ply composite tube through thelabel ply and the body ply.
 10. A method of forming a multi-plycomposite container with at least one weakened region as defined inclaim 7 wherein said scoring step comprises defining at least one scoreline in the multi-ply composite tube through the label ply and the bodyply.
 11. A method of forming a multi-ply composite container with atleast one weakened region as defined in claim 10 wherein said scoringstep comprises defining a circumferential score line in the multi-plycomposite tube through the label ply and the body ply.
 12. A method offorming a multi-ply composite container with at least one weakenedregion as defined in claim 11 wherein said scoring step comprisesdefining a circumferential score line in the multi-ply composite tubethrough the label ply and the body ply extending about the entirecircumference of the composite tube.
 13. A method of forming a multi-plycomposite container with at least one weakened region as defined inclaim 11 wherein said scoring step comprises defining a circumferentialscore line in the multi-ply composite tube through the label ply and thebody ply extending partially about the circumference of the compositetube.
 14. A method of forming a multi-ply composite container with atleast one weakened region as defined in claim 11 wherein said scoringstep further comprises defining at least one angularly extending scoreline in the multi-ply composite tube through the label ply and the bodyply intersecting the circumferential score line.
 15. A method of forminga multi-ply composite container with at least one weakened region asdefined in claim 7 wherein said scoring step comprises scoring themulti-ply composite tube through the label ply and the body ply with alaser.
 16. A method of forming a multi-ply composite container with atleast one weakened region as defined in claim 7 wherein said liner plyis foil and wherein said scoring step comprises scoring the multi-plycomposite tube through the label ply and the body ply with a laser, butnot through the foil liner ply.
 17. A method of forming a multi-plycomposite container with at least one weakened region as defined inclaim 7 wherein said scoring step comprises scoring the multi-plycomposite tube through the label ply and the body ply with a knife. 18.A method of forming a multi-ply composite container for consumerproducts with at least one region of weakened strength, comprising thesteps of: advancing a continuous body ply formed of paperboard materialtowards a shaping mandrel; advancing a continuous liner ply having amoisture barrier layer towards the shaping mandrel; wrapping the bodyply and the liner ply around the shaping mandrel and adhering the linerply to the body ply; advancing a continuous label ply towards theshaping mandrel downstream of the adhered liner ply and body ply;wrapping the label ply around the body ply and the liner ply to adherethe label ply to the body ply and the liner ply to create a multi-plycomposite tube; securing at least one composite end closure having aliner ply and a body ply to the multi-ply composite tube; and scoringthe body ply of the composite end closure to create a region of weakenedstrength.
 19. A method of forming a multi-ply composite container withat least one weakened region as defined in claim 18 wherein said scoringstep comprises perforating the composite end closure through the bodyply.
 20. A method of forming a multi-ply composite container with atleast one weakened region as defined in claim 18 wherein said scoringstep comprises grooving the at least one composite end closure throughthe body ply.
 21. A method of forming a multi-ply composite containerwith at least one weakened region as defined in claim 18 wherein saidscoring step comprises defining an arcuate score line in the compositeend closure through the body ply.
 22. A method of forming a multi-plycomposite container with at least one weakened region as defined inclaim 21 wherein said scoring step further comprises defining at leastone angular score line in the composite end closure through the body plyand intersecting the arcuate score line.
 23. A method of forming amulti-ply composite container with at least one weakened region asdefined in claim 18 wherein said scoring step comprises scoring thecomposite end closure through the body ply with a laser.
 24. A method offorming a multi-ply composite container with at least one weakenedregion as defined in claim 18 wherein said scoring step comprisesscoring the composite end closure through the body ply with a knife. 25.An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-ply composite container with atleast one region of weakened strength, said apparatus comprising: asupply of a continuous body ply formed of paperboard material; a supplyof a continuous liner ply having a moisture barrier layer; a supply of acontinuous label ply; an elongate shaping mandrel; a drive belt forwrapping said liner ply, said body ply and said label ply around saidshaping mandrel to form a multi-ply composite tube and for advancingsaid composite tube along the length of said mandrel; and a scorer forscoring said multi-ply composite tube through said label ply and intosaid body ply but not through said liner ply to create a region ofweakened strength in said composite tube.
 26. An apparatus formanufacturing a multi-ply composite container with at least one regionof weakened strength as defined in claim 25 wherein said scorer is alaser.
 27. An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-ply compositecontainer with at least one region of weakened strength as defined inclaim 25 wherein said scorer is a knife.